Pierre de Coubertin

The Pierre de Coubertin Awards are named after the founder of the modern Olympic Games. The Awards take place on an annual basis and recognise senior secondary students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities.

All secondary government and non government schools are invited to nominate one recipient for the Pierre de Coubertin Award each year (only) from year 10, 11 or 12.

Each nominee must participate actively in the school’s physical education program with a consistently positive attitude. At some stage during years 8-12 the nominee must have represented the school in either swimming, athletics or cross country and at least two other competitive sports. A piece of original art work (for example – poetry, songs, paintings etc) which illustrates the student’s appreciation of the Olympic Movement must also be submitted.

The State Olympic Councils, under the auspice of the Australian Olympic Committee, coordinate the Awards program. The award recipients are recognised in a presentation during Olympic week, which occurs in each state and is organised by the SOC.

The pinnacle of the Awards is the opportunity to represent Australia at the International Pierre de Coubertin Youth Forum. The Forum occurs every two years and is held in various locations around the world. Only eight Australian students from hundreds of award recipients are selected to attend.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin was born in Paris in 1863 and was personally involved in fencing, rowing and cycling. His visits to British “public” schools resulted in a lifelong interest in trying to get the heavily academic French schools to take up more sports-oriented curricula. As an educational theorist, de Coubertin was convinced of the importance of sport for the development of the individual. He believed that the qualities of initiative, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play should be encouraged in young people who participated in sports and competitive games.

Nominations Open for PdC Awards

The 2014 Pierre de Coubertin Nominations are now open. All nomination must now be submitted online via the Australian Olympic Education website. For more information about the 2014 Pierre de Coubertin Awards or to nominate a student please click 'Read More'.